Every office generates so much e-mail, instant messages and Internet traffic it's all but impossible for management to keep track of exactly what's being said, seen and done online.
But how can execs be confident that all these digital conversations are necessary and not just time-wasting? Or worse: the cover for data leaks, inappropriate content-sharing or other nefarious or even criminal activities.
Why monitor staff e-mail?
Some of the reasons an organisation might want to monitor staff use of e-mail and Internet sound obvious--assessing skills or performance or keeping tabs on time spent on non-work activities, for instance, or preventing the distribution of inappropriate or illegal content.
Another possible use for monitoring could be to help prevent damage to computer systems by identifying careless Internet and e-mail users who are downloading malware or accessing potentially risky websites. It could also help to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and, more broadly, to reduce the risk to the business from liability for the actions of its employees.
Other reasons to embark on a period of monitoring might include gathering evidence on an untrustworthy employee where there are serious and credible grounds for suspicion.
Read more of "Monitoring staff e-mail and Internet: Dos and don'ts" from ZDNET Asia.
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